The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers unparalleled expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a diverse and dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.

The Space Systems Implementation Department in SED provides development, assessment, and closure of space vehicle systems. As an Engineering Specialist or Senior Engineering Specialist of this department, you will be supporting the acquisition of the next generation of innovative space vehicle systems to solve the most challenging problems of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

Providing space vehicle systems engineering support for customer programs, with a focus on the intelligence community

Leading and participating in studies, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams, to assess breadth of space system designs for accuracy and completeness

Evaluating the feasibility of space system designs during key milestone reviews such as Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, etc.

Delivering products requiring space systems engineering expertise

Working proactively and autonomously with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group

Establishing high-performing teams with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group

Mentoring junior members of the department

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a relevant engineering or science discipline

More than 8 years of relevant experience in space systems engineering

Advanced knowledge and/or relevant experience in spacecraft subsystems, systems engineering topics, and spacecraft design

Experience in leading, developing, and working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams

Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct long-range technical studies

Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure

Ability to travel domestically, on an occasional basis

Current or active TS/SSBI

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist include:

More than 12 years of relevant experience in space systems engineering

Exceptional knowledge and/or relevant experience in spacecraft subsystems, systems engineering topics, and spacecraft design

Subject matter expertise in spacecraft-level systems engineering to support execution of customer programs

Proven ability to lead the development of systems engineering processes and initiate capabilities development activities

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in engineering or relevant engineering discipline

Superior knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering topics

Experience with flight programs across defense and commercial sectors

Demonstrated experience engaging with government and contractor counterparts

Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$117,300.00 - $226,900.00
Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

Operate Strategically
Lead Change  
Engage with Impact  
Foster Innovation  
Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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